This paper proposes a model of the cognitive mechanisms underlying the transition to behavioural and cognitive modernity in the Upper Palaeolithic using autocatalytic networks. These networks have been used to model life’s origins. More recently, they have been applied to the emergence of cognitive structure capable of undergoing cultural evolution. Mental representations of knowledge and experiences play the role of catalytic molecules, the interactions among them (e.g. the forging of new associations or affordances) play the role of reactions, and thought processes are modelled as chains of these interactions. We posit that one or more genetic mutations may have allowed thought to be spontaneously tailored to the situation by modulating the degree of (i) divergence (versus convergence), (ii) abstractness (versus concreteness), and (iii) context specificity. This culminated in persistent, unified autocatalytic semantic networks that bridged previously compartmentalized knowledge and experience. We explain the model using one of the oldest-known uncontested examples of figurative art: the carving of the Hohlenstein–Stadel Löwenmensch, or lion man. The approach keeps track of where in a cultural lineage each innovation appears, and models cumulative change step by step. It paves the way for a broad scientific framework for the origins of both biological and cultural evolutionary processes.

中文翻译：

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使用反射性自催化网络向行为和认知现代性过渡的模型

本文使用自催化网络提出了旧石器时代晚期向行为和认知现代性过渡的认知机制模型。这些网络已被用来模拟生命的起源。最近，它们被应用于能够经历文化进化的认知结构的出现。知识和经验的心理表征扮演催化分子的角色，它们之间的相互作用（例如形成新的联想或启​​示）扮演反应的角色，思维过程被建模为这些相互作用的链。我们假设一个或多个基因突变可能通过调节（i）分歧（与收敛），（ii）抽象（与具体），(iii) 上下文特殊性。这最终形成了持久的、统一的自动催化语义网络，该网络连接了以前划分的知识和经验。我们使用最古老的无争议的具象艺术示例之一来解释该模型：Hohlenstein-Stadel Löwenmensch 或狮子人的雕刻。该方法跟踪每个创新出现在文化谱系中的哪个位置，并逐步模拟累积变化。它为生物和文化进化过程起源的广泛科学框架铺平了道路。Hohlenstein–Stadel Löwenmensch 或狮子人的雕刻。该方法跟踪每个创新出现在文化谱系中的哪个位置，并逐步模拟累积变化。它为生物和文化进化过程起源的广泛科学框架铺平了道路。Hohlenstein–Stadel Löwenmensch 或狮子人的雕刻。该方法跟踪每个创新出现在文化谱系中的哪个位置，并逐步模拟累积变化。它为生物和文化进化过程起源的广泛科学框架铺平了道路。